Blog No. 1 - Moving to Shanghai

Our new journey began on September 18, 2007. We sold our house in California, put our furniture in storage, and packed our bags (7 duffle bags and a suitcase, to be exact). We departed from LAX and flew 14 hours to the other side of the globe to Shanghai, China. We are renting a three bedroom apartment on the 27th floor at the Shanghai Center. It is located in the Nanjing Xi Lu-Jing’ An district which is considered the high-end shopping district in Shanghai. Most of the residents are expats from the United States, Japan, and Europe. The Shanghai Centre is owned and managed by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel which is located in the center of the complex. Everything we need is conveniently located downstairs, including restaurants, a grocery store, medical offices, dry cleaners, bank, post office, etc. We even have a Starbucks! Shanghai Centre is the first furnished serviced apartment in Shanghai. They offer many perks like housekeeping twice a week, free use of the hotel gym and pool, indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids, and social events for the residents.

Brennan stays at home with our Chinese ayi (Chinese word for nanny). She does not speak English, but neither does Brennan :). They are really fond of each other. Quinlan, on the other hand, is still getting used to her. The communication barrier has proved challenging. However, I have been teaching him some Mandarin words so he can communicate with her, and she can understand him. Quinlan attends an English-speaking preschool which is located on the 8th floor of the Shanghai Centre. He has transitioned very well to his new surroundings. He loves his new school and friends. Mark's work is a few miles from our apartment. Mr. Wang, the company's driver, takes him to work every day in his Buick mini-van. It only takes 15 minutes. Mr. Wang teaches Mark a new Mandarin word everyday. I'm taking a Mandarin class at the Shanghai Center, and just finished Level 1. I start Level 2 in January. It has been very helpful, especially communicating with our ayi and with taxi drivers.